Why doesn't my dog like daycare? | Dog Daycare in Los Angeles (2024)

You take your pup to a dog daycare in Los Angeles, and he’s not adjusting. Your dog seems unhappy when you pick him up. The daycare you chose may not be a good environment for him. A loud, busy atmosphere can be stressful and over-stimulating for some dogs. Leaving your dog alone each day can cause behavioral problems or anxiety. We have the solution for happy dogs and owners. The Wags Club is different from the typical dog daycare facility. We’re the best dog daycare in Los Angeles because we treat all dogs like our own.

Should My Dog Go To Dog Daycare?

Our canine companions are family and love spending time with us. Many dog owners see their furry friends as their children. As a result, they worry about them being alone. Dogs are pack animals and need socialization, as well as mental and physical stimulation. Dog daycare is beneficial for pups whose owners are away all day.

Reasons To Consider Doggie Daycare in Los Angeles

Many dogs experience separation anxiety when they’re home alone. Dog daycare exposes your dog to positive experiences and new canine friends. Your dog is in a safe environment, getting attention from a trained, caring staff. Your dog will get plenty of playtime, exercise, and learn social skills.

Is My Do Happy in Dog Daycare?

To determine how well your dog is doing, establish a daily routine. Take your dog to daycare, say goodbye, and spend some time together at home after pick up. Most dogs adapt to the routine quickly, which is a sign that your dog is adjusting to daycare. These are signs your dog is adjusting to dog daycare:

    • Enthusiasm when you mention daycare
    • Excitement when you get in the car
    • Happy or calm when you get to the facility
    • Positive interaction with the staff
    • Tired but happy at home
    • Calm and relaxed after daycare

Negative Behavior After Dog Daycare

If your dog exhibits stress or aggression after daycare, it could be the daycare isn’t a good fit. You should check with your veterinarian and look into other options for your dog’s care. When your pup comes to The Wags Club, we provide individual attention, stimulating activities, and lots of love.

Consider Your Dog’s Temperament

Dogs are like people. Each dog has a distinct personality, and all dogs don’t get along well together. Socialization is a significant part of your dog’s routine at The Wags Club. Your dog gets a lot of individual attention and learns how to interact with other dogs.

What Dogs Don’t Adapt Well to Daycare?

Doggie daycare in Los Angeles is an excellent option for dogs who get anxious or feel lonely when their pet parents are away all day. Doggie daycare allows your pup to play and socialize with other dogs. Your dog’s body language is a good indicator if your dog isn’t adjusting to daycare. Signs your dog may be feeling stress:

    • Excessive licking
    • Frequent shaking
    • Hypervigilance
    • Sits with one paw in the air
    • Sniffing the environment excessively

If your dog exhibits these behaviors, try half days or one or two days a week. If your pup isn’t adjusting, check out other dog daycare options. These Dogs May Need Extra Help Adjusting:

Active, Large Dogs

Large dogs usually have laid-back personalities. However, large, active dogs may try to initiate play and seem intimidating to smaller dogs. A small dog may respond with aggression.

Aggressive Dogs

An aggressive dog is usually fearful or has a naturally dominant personality. A dog could be afraid due to previous abuse.

Dogs That Aren’t Neutered

Unneutered dogs will compete for unspayed females, and serious injuries could result. At The Wags Club, your puppy must be at least 16 weeks old; dogs six months or older must be spayed or neutered to keep all our dogs safe.

Dogs That Are Hyperactive

Energetic dogs are usually healthy. Dogs with excess energy and who don’t understand basic commands could have the canine equivalent of ADHD. Hyperactive dogs may jump on or bite other dogs to get attention, which other dogs may see as aggression. Dogs that exhibit these behaviors may not get enough exercise or attention at home.

Highly Intelligent Dogs

Brilliant dogs are like kids with a high IQ. They need something to do and sometimes get bored. Consistent activity with other dogs can help these dogs to adapt.

Insecure Dogs

More dominant dogs may perceive insecure, shy dogs as weak. When dogs suffer intimidation from dominating dogs, owners may think their dogs don’t like other animals.

Protective Dogs

Protective dogs are serious about their job. They protect their owners and think they’re the guard dogs in other situations. They believe the caregiver in charge is their master and will defend them from the other dogs.

What Dogs Adapt Well To Dog Daycare?

Lapdogs love attention and lounging around at home. However, they like to participate in fun activities and socializing. Lapdogs usually enjoy training, play, and the company of other dogs.

Dogs with low activity levels love lounging around where there’s a comfortable spot. They may play with other dogs or watch from the sidelines.

Some miniature dog owners hesitate to enroll their dogs in dog daycare because they think larger dogs will bully their dogs. However, many miniature dogs have personalities and confidence to compensate for their size.

Why Dog Owners Love The Wags Club

Dog parents love our dog daycare in Los Angeles. We’re the only luxury resort for dogs on the Westside. We offer solutions for pet parents who work long hours. If a new puppy is in your family, early socialization is a necessity. You can relax knowing your dog is in good hands. We provide a variety of services at our doggie daycare in Los Angeles.

At our 12,000-square-foot facility, your dog has plenty of room to romp and play with other dogs. We feature safe indoor and outdoor play areas. We provide lunch, treats, and walks. Dogs relax and meet new friends in a peaceful atmosphere. We even provide doggie updates on our website and Facebook.

The Wags Club Offers Flexible Daycare Options

At our dog daycare in Los Angeles we offer hours to fit your schedule.

    • Half and full daycare
    • Daytime weekend care
    • Care for multiple dogs

We Reinforce Good Behavior

Our staff understands socialization is essential to a well-behaved, happy dog. Exercise and interaction with other dogs ease separation anxiety and can prevent aggression when your dog learns to interact in a pack. Bonding with the pack is essential to socialization and reinforces positive behavior. Our daycare assistants work with dogs to teach them not to whine, bite, jump, or bark. We provide individualized attention and don’t allow rough behavior to protect the pack.

If you request additional training while your dog is at The Wags Club, we work with an approved list of trainers in the Los Angeles area. Our experts are available to assist you with:

    • Potty training
    • Basic commands
    • Alleviating anxiety
    • Walking on a leash

We work with you and show you how to reinforce our training at home. We want you to have a happy, well-adjusted dog. When you want to take advantage of the best dog daycare in Los Angeles, contact The Wags Club for a consultation. You can reach us at 310-473-3333. We look forward to meeting you and your dog.

Why doesn't my dog like daycare? | Dog Daycare in Los Angeles (2024)

FAQs

Why doesn't my dog like daycare? | Dog Daycare in Los Angeles? ›

The daycare you chose may not be a good environment for him. A loud, busy atmosphere can be stressful and over-stimulating for some dogs. Leaving your dog alone each day can cause behavioral problems or anxiety. We have the solution for happy dogs and owners.

Why doesn't my dog like doggy daycare? ›

However, not all dogs feel the same way about daycare. For some dogs, the sounds, smells, and busy environment can be too much, and it may lead to fearfulness, anxiety, or reactivity.

Why doesn't my dog want to go to daycare anymore? ›

This phenomenon is referred to as “aging out” of daycare, and it's actually more common than one might think. The reason behind aging out of doggy daycare is pretty simple: just like us, our four-legged friends change as they age. And one of the things that changes as your pup matures is their sociability.

Can doggy daycare be bad for dogs? ›

Daycare isn't without risks. A daycare environment can be overwhelming and overstimulating for some dogs. Depending on how the daycare is structured it's very easy for dogs to get exhausted which can lead to physical injuries.

What age do dogs stop liking daycare? ›

As dogs hit social maturity (about 2-4 years) they may become more selective about their friends and they may do well in day care until the onset of social maturity. Of course this is not every dog; some older adult dogs still do really well at day care.

How long does it take for a dog to get used to daycare? ›

There's no way to pinpoint exactly how long it will take your pup to get used to daycare. Some may adapt in a few days, while others may take weeks to months. The best a pet parent can do is to pay attention to signs of distress, be patient, and provide lots of loving care at the end of the day.

How do I tell if my dog likes doggy daycare? ›

A clear sign of their love for doggy daycare is an enthusiastic response. Look out for wagging tails, excited barks, and a genuine eagerness to enter the facility. These happy vibes indicate that your furry friend is pumped up for a day of fun with their daycare buddies.

What age should I stop doggy daycare? ›

Dogs don't have a specific age when they stop liking doggy daycare. It varies by individual. However, as some dogs age, their energy levels and tolerance for play might decrease. Senior dogs might prefer quieter environments.

Is it stressful for dogs to go to daycare? ›

Even the most well-run dog daycare facilities can be stressful for some dogs, particularly those who are naturally anxious or sensitive. Dogs are social creatures by nature, but they can easily become overstimulated when surrounded by others for an extended period.

Why is my dog anxious at daycare? ›

It's normal for dogs to be anxious and hesitant in a new environment. The first time you leave them at day care, you can expect your pet to feel uncertain, confused and a little sad. "There is an acclimation period to new spaces, people and dogs," Siegfried said.

Do dogs get tired of doggy daycare? ›

Social play is a major part of daycare. Dogs are social animals, and interacting with their peers is crucial for their social development. However, just as a human might be exhausted after a day spent socializing in large groups, dogs too can find this tiring.

Why is my dog aggressive at doggy daycare? ›

The reason this can accidentally create dog aggression, is that dogs who go to daycare get used to seeing another dog and immediately being able to charge up to them, and have a crazy-mad play session. The crazy-mad play sessions at dog day care can sometimes accidentally cause dog aggression and reactivity.

What are the pros and cons of doggy daycare? ›

Daycare can also be a great way to tire out active dogs so they are calmer at home. On the downside, daycare centers can be expensive and some may not offer the level of supervision and care that you feel comfortable with. It is important to do your research and visit potential daycares before making a decision.

Do dogs pick up bad habits from daycare? ›

There's a chance that your dog may pick up some undesirable behaviors from their doggy daycare peers. While you can prevent these becoming a problem with regular training, it's still an issue worth considering.

Do dogs miss you at daycare? ›

They form strong bonds with their owners, and yes, they do feel our absence if left at home alone, which is why owners opt for doggy daycare. While they might not understand the concept of time like we do, they definitely notice when their favorite human isn't around.

What age is best for dog daycare? ›

Socializing puppies at an early age is key to developing them into friendly, playful dogs. At Hounds Town, we require dogs to be at least four months old and cleared by a veterinarian before they interact with other dogs. Before and during a puppy's time in doggy daycare, starting a routine is highly recommended.

How do I get my dog to stop fighting in doggy daycare? ›

Try distracting the dogs by throwing water over them. A loud noise such as an air horn or two metal objects being banged together can also be effective. Some dogs will stop fighting when they can't see the other dog, so try throwing a blanket or jacket over the dogs to calm them down.

Do dogs get used to doggy daycare? ›

Getting acclimated to the doggy daycare schedule can take some time. Generally, it takes about a month or two of regular daycare visits (at least two per week) for a dog to finally open up to the experience.

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